Horhn said the council must enforce its own rules. His statement did not name Stokes or call for disciplinary action
By Charlie Drape
Clarion Ledger
https://www.clarionledger.com/
Story Summary
- Jackson Mayor John Horhn called for an end to personal attacks following a contentious city council meeting.
- Councilman Kenneth Stokes directed a sexist slur at a woman and made offensive remarks to Muslim protesters.
- The mayor stated that enforcing order and decorum is the responsibility of the City Council.
- The outburst led to chants for Stokes’ removal and a temporary recess of the council meeting.
Jackson Mayor John Horhn called for an end to personal attacks at City Hall after Ward 3 Councilman Kenneth Stokes directed a sexist slur at a woman during a meeting that erupted into chants demanding his removal.
But the mayor left responsibility for enforcing order with the Jackson City Council.
“The City Council is responsible for establishing and enforcing the rules governing its chambers,” Horhn said in a statement sent Tuesday, Nov. 3, afternoon. “While that responsibility rests with the Council, we expect all city officials and residents who participate during public comments to conduct themselves with proper decorum and treat others with respect while conducting the people’s business.”
Horhn’s statement did not name Stokes or call for disciplinary action against him.
“Disagreements are part of public service, but they should never become personal attacks or disrespectful exchanges,” Horhn said. “Our residents deserve a city government that can work through difficult issues without losing sight of why we are here, to serve them.”
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The statement followed the council’s Nov. 3 meeting, where Stokes called a woman a “bitch” after she told him he would sell his mother for a dime. He also told Muslim protesters to “take the rags off your heads. Y’all are not Muslim.”
Residents stood and pointed at Stokes, chanting “Kick him out!” as council members began leaving their seats. Police Chief RaShall Brackney rushed to the front of the chambers and warned she would clear the room if disruptions continued.
The confrontation followed Stokes’ introduction of two controversial ordinances: one to honor slain Senatobia child Kohen Wiley on part of Medgar Evers Boulevard and another to repeal Jackson’s data center moratorium.
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Members of the Evers family opposed changing part of the boulevard and asked the council to find another way to honor Wiley. Data center opponents questioned lifting the moratorium before the city finished developing regulations.
Stokes was absent while residents addressed the council. After public comment ended, he emerged from his office and took his seat, defending both proposals and arguing that Jackson needed the investment data centers could bring.
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“Hell yeah, let’s do some data centers!” Stokes said. “Bring some money to Jackson, and I’m ready to vote. Thank you.”
Ultimately, the council voted 4-3 to recess for an hour. Clay, Ward 6 Councilwoman LaShia Brown-Thomas, Ward 4 Councilman Brian Grizzell and Ward 7 Councilman Kevin Parkinson supported the recess. Stokes, Hartley and Ward 1 Councilman Ashby Foote opposed it.
The outburst follows earlier calls to discipline Stokes. After a September shouting match between Stokes and Grizzell over renaming Wood Street, resident Norma Michael presented a 90-signature petition seeking action over Stokes’ treatment of Grizzell. Asked about the petition in October, Stokes responded by asking about Michael’s sexuality.
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Horhn closed his statement by urging officials and residents to consider the example they set.
“Our young people are watching,” Horhn said. “We must set the right example through our words and our actions, especially when we disagree. We owe that to them and to everyone who calls Jackson home.”
After Tuesday’s hourlong recess, council members returned and rescheduled the meeting for Thursday, Nov. 5, at 10 a.m.
Charlie Drape, the Jackson beat reporter, has covered all meetings of the Jackson City Council since 2023. He can be reached at cdrape@gannett.com.
